Guy Manley: A Real Movie

Very bland movie that tries to hide behind over-the-top humor. In fact, it was painfull trying to not cringe while watching this odd movie whose entire plot seems to never have left the "2012 youtube sketch comedy"-phase. It is very much like the school projects you were forced to make when you were younger, and much like then, it is only your family and friends that enjoys it. I suppose it is cool to be proud of what you have achived and hide behind teamspirit and beliving that you can do anything - even creating a movie. However, it is sad that it has come to this. Please, just spare us of seeing this on the big screen. Show your family and friends and leave us be.

Edit: It's very telling when the only 10/10 review is from a user sharing the same name as one of the creators.

Guy Manley - A Real Movie is a bloody action comedy that lets you turn off your brain and just enjoy a couple of hours of pure entertainment. It reminds me of the parody films from the 2000s, when comedies knew their purpose and didn't take themselves too seriously. It's packed with dumb humour, fast-paced action, brutal violence, and even a few musical numbers, complete with an annoyingly catchy theme song. It's a hell of a ride and a real punch in the face-I was completely exhausted, good exhausted, when I left the theater.

I've never seen an indie film like this before, and the fact that it was made by a few guys with no budget makes it all the more impressive. Great craftsmanship, it looks stunning, and well done to the cast-hats off!

... 30 percent love it, 30 percent hate it, the rest are... ehhh, what did we just watch? Which group are you in? Personally I love movies that proves that creativity is still alive,even though it is the silly kind of creativity.

Absolutely over the top ridiculous action and full of absurd moments, when this spy hero, who looks like he is taken straight out of Rick Astley's 80s famous video, goes to work to assassinate a villain and piece his life back together. Full of witty parody moments, the keen observer will find lots of references to classic movies, and its sometimes even brilliant under a goofy surface.

Rarely does a film come along that leaves audiences questioning not only the decisions of its creators but also the sheer possibility of how something so abysmally executed could make it to screens. Guy Manley is one such film-a calamity on all fronts, from audio quality to cinematography, leaving viewers bewildered at how a project this poorly crafted was ever greenlit. In a world where even amateur YouTube videos display higher production standards, Guy Manley stands out as an unfortunate example of cinematic ineptitude.

Audio Quality: A Grating Experience

The film's audio is, without exaggeration, some of the worst ever heard in a feature-length production. In an era when basic sound equipment is accessible even to amateur filmmakers, it is astonishing that Guy Manley suffers from issues such as inconsistent volume levels, distorted dialogue, and a soundtrack that sounds like it was recorded in a tin can. Throughout the movie, dialogue often becomes inaudible, drowned out by background noise or overshadowed by an overbearing score that seems to have been mixed with complete disregard for what was happening on screen. In several scenes, characters' voices echo awkwardly, suggesting a lack of proper recording techniques or, worse, an entire neglect of post-production sound editing.

These technical flaws are not just minor distractions; they actively detract from any potential engagement with the narrative. The film's dialogue, when it can be heard, is often muffled or accompanied by static, making it nearly impossible to follow conversations. Moments that are meant to be tense or dramatic are unintentionally comical due to the audio shortcomings. One could argue that sound is one of the most fundamental aspects of filmmaking, and yet, Guy Manley treats it as an afterthought, if it was ever considered at all.

Cinematography: A Visual Nightmare

If the audio was not enough to drive viewers away, the cinematography seals the deal. Guy Manley appears to have been shot without any understanding of basic film techniques. The framing of shots is haphazard, often cutting off characters' faces or focusing on irrelevant background elements instead of the action or dialogue. This lack of focus makes many scenes confusing, leaving audiences disoriented and struggling to piece together what is happening.

Lighting is another area where the film fails spectacularly. In many scenes, the lighting is either too harsh or too dim, casting awkward shadows that obscure actors' faces and key elements of the scene. In moments where mood lighting could have been employed to enhance the atmosphere, Guy Manley instead delivers either blinding overexposure or murky darkness. It's a level of ineptitude that suggests the crew was entirely unfamiliar with how to use lighting to convey tone or emotion.

The camera work, often shaky and erratic, only compounds the film's visual shortcomings. During what are presumably action scenes, the camera moves in such a frenetic and uncontrolled manner that it becomes difficult to discern what is happening. Rather than creating a sense of excitement, this shaky-cam technique induces a feeling of nausea, leaving viewers yearning for a simple, static shot to bring some clarity to the chaos. It's as if the filmmakers believed that frantic camera movement would distract from the film's many other failings. Unfortunately, it only highlights their lack of skill.

Direction and Editing: A Case Study in Incompetence

The direction and editing in Guy Manley are equally baffling. Scenes drag on far longer than necessary, with awkward pauses and transitions that disrupt the pacing. There are moments when it feels like the movie was stitched together from first takes, with no apparent effort to refine performances or improve coherence in post-production.

Incompetence permeates every frame of this film. Subplots appear and vanish without resolution, characters make baffling choices that defy logic, and the narrative structure is practically non-existent. The editing does nothing to alleviate these issues; instead, it exacerbates them. The cuts between scenes are abrupt and jarring, often leading to a complete disconnect between sequences.

Conclusion: A New Low in Filmmaking

In an age where filmmaking tools are more accessible than ever, Guy Manley manages to be an affront to even the most forgiving audience. When compared to the level of craftsmanship found in amateur YouTube videos-many of which display a superior grasp of sound design, cinematography, and storytelling-it becomes clear just how poorly this movie was executed.

Guy Manley fails not just as a film but as an example of basic cinematic competence. It's a baffling experience that leaves viewers not only questioning the filmmakers' decisions but also wondering how anyone involved thought this was a finished product worthy of release. In the end, Guy Manley is a stark reminder that even in the realm of low-budget filmmaking, there is a baseline of quality that should never be crossed. This film doesn't just stumble over that line; it plummets into an abyss of mediocrity.

"Guy Manley" is an action-packed and entertaining film that really stands out from the crowd. It's a film you shouldn't take seriously, it's not a documentary :-), and you shouldn't be sensitive to violence and blood.

From the first scene you are captured by the visual effects, which are both stylish and innovative. Apparently there are digital effects in like 90% of the film, which is not common. Of course, it can be seen that not everything is "authentic", but in general the digital work is well done.

The cast does a good job of conveying the energetic tone of the film. Lead actor Baltazar Ploteau, who plays Guy Manley, delivers a solid performance. His interpretation of the tough action hero (well, maybe not before he starts the mission...) is filled with charisma, quick lines and with a sense of timing when it comes to the humor of the film. While his performance may not reach any emotional depths, it is perfectly suited for a film of this type, where the focus is more on action than inner character development.

The supporting characters play their roles competently and provide enough support to keep the story flowing. I especially want to highlight Milton Björnegren who plays Lewis Milton, it is a character that you really like! Many actors deliver solid performances, although none immediately stand out in an exceptional way. I'm guessing that no one might have an acting education behind them or work in this professionally. The interaction between the characters is OK, and their dialogue feels natural despite the film's sometimes (often) exaggerated situations.

A big part of the charm of "Guy Manley" is that it understands its purpose and delivers exactly what it promises: an action-packed experience with nice effects, some humor and entertainment from beginning to end.

Another unique aspect is that the credits appear in the "middle" (or after maybe 80%) of the movie! It's a daring and original move that breaks with the traditional film structure and gives the film an extra sense of playfulness. Rather than feeling out of place, it adds to the overall atmosphere of the film and makes the viewer even more invested in what's to come. However, as usual, a lot of moviegoers went out then and of course they missed part of the film. The subtitles are also incredibly beautiful! A small and perhaps "unimportant" part of the film itself, but those who have made this part have done a very good job!

In conclusion, "Guy Manley" is an entertaining ride filled with action, amazing effects and unexpected surprises. If you like films that challenge the norm and offer good visual experience, this is a must see! But, it's not a movie for everyone. If you only like movies like "Titanic" or "Singin' in the Rain" this might not be for you...